AZE.US
An Azerbaijani court has sentenced nine journalists, media workers and activists linked to the independent outlet Toplum TV to prison terms ranging from 12 to 15 years.
The Baku Court on Grave Crimes ruled that the charges brought against the defendants had been proven. The defendants have denied wrongdoing, while international press freedom and human rights organizations have raised concerns about the case and described it as politically motivated.
Akif Gurbanov and Ruslan Izzatli were each sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Alasgar Mammadli and Ali Zeynalov received 14-year sentences, while Mushfig Jabbarov, Ilkin Amrahov and Ramil Babayev were each sentenced to 13 years.
Farid Ismayilov and Elmir Abbasov were sentenced to 12 years. Abbasov was taken into custody in the courtroom after the verdict was announced.
The defendants were convicted on charges including organized smuggling, illegal entrepreneurship, money laundering, tax evasion and employing workers without formal labor contracts.
The case dates back to March 2024, when police searched the offices of Toplum TV and organizations associated with several of the defendants. Azerbaijani authorities said financial evidence was discovered during the searches.
The defendants and their lawyers have disputed the prosecution’s claims and said the case was connected to their journalism, civic work and political activity.
International media freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, have criticized the proceedings and called for the defendants’ release.
Azerbaijani authorities, however, reject claims that journalists or activists are prosecuted for their professional or political work and maintain that the cases concern alleged violations of national law.
The verdict is expected to be appealed.
AZE.US